The U18s' Season So Far
It’s been a tough start to the season for Cheltenham Town U18s, with the Robins currently sitting 9th in the Youth Alliance South West table.The youngsters’ campaign got off to an impressive start as they only lost two of their opening games, including impressive wins over Exeter City, who are currently top, and Portsmouth.
However, since then the young Robins haven’t managed three points, though they’ve endured a very tough fixture list including five away fixtures out of seven as well as being knocked out of the FA Youth Cup.
They ended the year with a 2-1 defeat to Yeovil Town, who are the side that occupy the place below them.
Goals from Joe Hance and Paul Akinuli in the first half gave the match a spring of life, but Ashleigh Hopkins’ side couldn’t secure their first win in seven games.
Jacob Nutting was awarded Man of the Match in their last game, and manager Hopkins wasn’t too disheartened by his side’s performance.
“Two mistakes cost us at the back today, and Yeovil took them. The game could have gone either way,” he said.
“There are some positives to take out of today’s game. Our style of play and shape were consistent throughout and there are lot of young Robins coming through for next season.”
The U18s will now welcome the Christmas break with open arms as their next game doesn’t come until the 7th of January.
The game takes place at Seasons Training Ground, and with Hopkins now having time to continue to improve their style of play, the young Robins will be confident they can start to climb up the table.